Trix of the Trade - Chapter 13

>It was the day following your first incursion into Fillydelphia.
>Trixie’s stern warnings of how terrible the place is deterred you from exiting the wagon at all since then.
>And that’s totally okay with you. It’s begun raining awfully hard outside so that’s the last place you want to be. Being stuck inside with a warm blanket, mountains and mountains of hot cocoa mix, and some somewhat pleasant company is all a man needs.
>It feels a little odd calling Trixie, ‘Pleasant company,’ but she has her undeniably fun moments.
>Back to whatever you were thinking; All of this relaxation time has given you a good opportunity to work out how Trixie’s next performance should go.
>Posters would fade away in the rain. The city is far too big and careless for word of mouth.
>It’s quite the mental workout, trying to figure this all out.
>You know what this needs? Another sip of cocoa.
>Siiiiiiiipppp.
>Yessssssssssssssssss. Perfect.
>That gave you no ideas, but it tasted and felt good.
>So of course, this is your day. Trixie comes in and out her room while you pretend to write ideas on a piece of parchment.
>Trixie is rarely patient enough to put up with your pointless scribbling and today seems no different.
>You’re getting tired of it yourself.
>Seriously, what are you writing down?
>According to what you see on this parchment; nothing!
>You get ready to trash the stupid thing, but Trixie unlatching her door again throws you off for a moment.

>As Trixie steps out of her room, she gives you a quick, bored glance before going to the cabinets for her fifth food scavenger hunt today.
>You could make a fat comment, but she always goes back empty hooved. She is actually bored enough to just look at food.
>Inevitably, she finds nothing of interest and makes a whiney little groan.
>She looks at you again.
>Then she saunters on over while eliciting a few more groans.
>Here we goooo!
>She dramatically collapses in a chair next to you and slumps over on the table.
>Even a blind deaf man would know she’s begging for some sort of attention.
>You do the cool thing and ignore her.
>She steadily scoots closer while letting out quiet whimpers of neglect.
>When she’s basically leaning on you, you have to say something.
“Bored?”
>”Of course not…”
“Yes, you must have a limitless amount of entertaining things to do while locked up in that room of yours.”
>”Yes, quite. Trixie is only here because she’s concerned of your own boredom.”
>Trixie sits up, and puts a hoof to your arm and another to her chest.
>”Do not worry, Trixie is here to relieve that boredom.”
“Ugh, can we not do this pretend flirting thing? I’m trying to focus… kinda.”
>”Trixie wasn’t pretending!”
>Both of you freeze at that comment.
>”That is… Trixie wasn’t… doing… that!”
“Ehehe…”
>”Hush! You know what Trixie meant!”
“That backfired, didn’t it?”
>She slaps your arm.

>The two of you sit in silence for a little longer before you get an idea.
>You take a quick glance at Trixie’s figures and get to scribbling while making sure to place your arm in a way to black Trixie’s prying eyes.
>Naturally she gets curious.
>”What are you writing?”
“Nothing. Stay still for a second.”
>”Why wo—Oh! Are you… drawing Trixie?”
“Eeyup.”
>”Aah! Trixie is in a horrible state! She cannot be publicly seen like this, let alone drawn!” She poofs her hair a little. “And since when did you have such a talent? We could have found some sort of use for it. Or something…”
“You’re fine, just stay still.”
>”What? You’re seriously drawing Trixie in this pose as well? It’s terrible boring and no p0ny would ever want to look at it!”
>You silently giggle to yourself. She has no idea what she’s actually getting.
>”Start over. Trixie needs to look more dignified.” She climbs up onto the table, lets out a cough, and plants herself in a VERY undignified fashion. It feels slightly wrong to say this but in that position, Trixie looks pretty hot.
>You lose concentration for a moment and make some incoherent scribbles on the paper.
>Flank on display as she lays on her side. That superior look on her face. Her legs crossed just right so her naughty bits are hidden.
>Chills. All sorts of chills.
>You ignore whatever Trixie is doing while hiding your blush and continue your shitty little doodle.
>After another moment, Trixie stops you again.
>”Wait, Trixie already has a picture like this.” She starts adjusting her position, but pauses and looks up to you. “Do you draw explicit content?”
“AaaaddffaaaDONE!”

>You hold up the small piece of parchment and reveal your masterpiece to Trixie.
>She magically snatches it out of your grasp.
>The excited look on her face dips in a very neutral one.
>She was wrong to expect quality.
>Very wrong.
>A smile spreads across her face. She must be so disappointed. Any moment she’ll start complaining and insulting you and—
>”Ehehe… Hahaha… Haha! Hahahaha!”
>Or she can laugh.
“Haha… Not what you expected, huh?”
>”It’s terrible! It’s hilariously terrible!” She manages to say through her laughter.
“I’m, uh… I’m not much of an artist. That’s kinda my best.”
>”I’ve seen better from a foal!”
“Oh…”
>Trixie goes on and on and on about how awful you are while you sit there and take it. You take it all.
>It’s okay, Anonymous. Criticism is how you get better…
>Yeah…
“I’m gonna go…”
>”Tsk, you’re such a baby.”
>She uses magic to yank your collar down to force you back into your chair.
>”Besides, Trixie thought of how she would draw a crowd.”
>With a flare of her horn, Trixie’s hat comes floating out of her room with that purple glow around it.
>She sets it down next to her before picking it up with hoof, and thrusting another into the hat itself.
>Oh yeah, you almost forgot. Her hat does that kind of thing.
>After a little digging, Trixie yanks a new piece of paper out of the hat.
>She hands it to you, and you twist it upright.
>Another one of Trixie’s posters. This one is new to you, however.

>In this one, Trixie lies in a sensual position on a pink bed while wearing a slightly lighter pink robe. On the top of the poster, fine white cursive reads, ‘The Great and Powerful Trixie’s Magical Show’ and at the bottom it reads, ‘She’ll be waiting.’ Pink doesn’t compliment her coat very well. That doesn’t stop you from ogling the image…
>Something in the back of your mind reminds you this is pretty fucked up.
>You’re finally able to tear your eyes away from the image and look to Trixie. She rolled onto her belly and rested her chin on her hooves with an amused grin on her face.
>”Are you enjoying the poster? Trixie has plenty of copies she could give you.”
“I’m just trying to figure out if this will work or not.”
>Trixie titters lightly.
>”Of course you are.”
“Yeah,” You set the poster off to the side. “I mean, you look good in the picture but what if we get a large crowd expecting a peep show?”
>”Then Trixie will give the crowd what they want.”
>You raise an eyebrow.
“I didn’t think you were the kind who would flaunt their body so openly.”
>”Have you forgotten where we are?”
>You wave it off.
“Fillydelphia is no reason to make you look loose, on stage. If we’re going to make it to Canterlot, we can’t be doing crap like that.”
>Her eyes lit up when you mentioned Canterlot. The two of you don’t talk about it much, but your goal hasn’t changed since you hopped aboard this wagon of madness.

>”Of course! What was Trixie thinking?! She must retain a certain level of tact and class while on stage!”
>She pushes herself up and lightly steps off the table.
“Excellent, so do you have any other ideas? I’m seriously drawing blank.”
>”Hmmmmmm…” She once again slowly trots over to the cabinets.
“Come ooooon, lunch later, brainstorm now.”
>She lets out an annoyed sigh before stomping over to the table and taking a seat.
>You and Trixie began tossing ideas that obviously wouldn’t work at each other.
>It went on and on and on, but as time progressed you ended up doing more doodling than thinking.
>Then your stomach REALLY started rumbling. You really wanted to get something on paper before taking a break, but your body is disagreeing with that notion.
>Not only that, but you’re getting a little stir crazy as well.
>Being stuck inside at this table all day is starting to wane on your mental state.
>You let out a groan as you scoot your chair away from the table.
>Trixie lifts her head off the table in curiosity.
>”And what are you doing?”
“I’m gonna go out for a bite to eat.”
>”Very well then, give Trixie a moment to gather her things.”
>Trixie’s hat and cape begin floating towards her.
“It’s not very polite to invite yourself, you know.”
>”Hush,” An umbrella ambushes you and slaps the side of your head. “You promised Trixie a walk last week and she’s cashing in on your rain check.”
>You snatch the umbrella out of Trixie’s magic.
“Fine. Just… keep an eye out for a good place to perform.”

>After suiting up in a hooded jacket, you and Trixie step out of the wagon. The towering buildings above offer no shelter from the rain. It’s chilly, but yours clothes and the umbrella keep you dry.
>The occasional pony passes by at a hurried pace. Otherwise, the stone roads are desolate.
>You and Trixie walk side by side down the street browsing stores and eateries between apartment complexes.
>One of you would find something that caught their eye, and the other always shot it down.
>The process repeated itself for what felt like a half hour before both of you conceded on the next thing you passed.
>That happened to be a veggie dog stand. Great.
>Veggie dogs sound repulsive to you and Trixie looks rather neutral about it.
>You try to talk Trixie into back out but she insults you on going back on your guys’ deal.
>It was hardly a deal. Bleh, whatever.
>The two of you order one dog each.
>Trixie somehow persuades you into paying for both.
>The two of you find a nearby covered bus stop… wagon stop… or whatever to eat your food.
>Trixie takes a huge bite with the most elated look on her face. She notices your glance and immediately goes neutral once more.
>Hehe… Trixie… Wieners…
>You let that one go unspoken and take a reluctant bite of your own.
>It’s… okay. Not good, not bad. It tastes a little too salty. Probably to cover the bitterness.
>Despite its mediocrity, you’re able to eat the entire thing with ease.
>Couldn’t do it as quickly as Trixie though. She inhaled the darn thing.
>Heh… Trixie… Inhaling wieners…
>You mentally slap yourself because you’re not 5 years old anymore.
>But you ARE still hungry.

“Mmmm, I’m still somewhat peckish. I might go buy another. Would you like another as well?”
>She shoots you an offended look.
>”Of course not! It isn’t easy, keeping this perfect physique! Trixie must exercise caution when eating such fatty foods!”
>You roll your eyes.
“I won’t tell anyone.” You whisper.
>Trixie nervously taps two hooves together before saying,
>”… Maybe one more…”
>And so you got her one more.
>The both of you seemed to savor your food more, this time.
>So the two of you just sat there for some time while the pitter patter of the rain gave perfect ambiance for this quiet moment.
>It wasn’t what you’d call the perfect way to spend an afternoon, but it’s rather soothing.
>There are no immediate bills that need to be paid. You and Trixie aren’t fighting for once. And, heh, you have some food in your stomach now.
>Yeah, you could chill here for a few hours if Trixie allows it.
>”Come,” Trixie shivers lightly. “Trixie is much too cold. Let us return to the wagon at once!”
>Aww.
>You stand up and extend and unfold the umbrella once more.
>Trixie leads the way this time while still staying under the umbrella.
>This also makes the walk back a little faster than you’d like.
>Something catches your eye and forces you to remember something as you get close to the wagon.
“Oh! Trixie, I need to grab today’s paper real quick. You want to tag along or would you prefer me to drop you off at the wagon?”
>She sighs.
>”You will most likely get lost if you went alone. Come, stick close to Trixie.”
“Lead the way, Miss Lulamoon.”
>She lightly bumps into you as she leads you in a familiar direction.

“Seriously? This is the only place you can think of that sells newspapers?”
>You stare reluctantly into the little place where you bought the map yesterday.
>”The closest. And you will be going in alone. Trixie personally cannot stand another second around… Ugh!” Trixie huffs and stomps around a bit.
>She plants her flank on the wet ground and yanks the umbrella out of your hand.
>”Be quick. It’s cold.”
>She could have just not come, but whatever.
“Alright, one sec.”
>You quickly step into the store to leave Trixie all alone on the side of the raod.
>It’s quiet besides the rain for a few moments.
>But the faint sounds of scuffles from alleyways reach Trixie’s ears.
>Anywhere else, Trixie would ignore such noises. But, here she is alert.
>Fillydelphia isn’t kind to those who travel alone. Whether it is a low-life scoundrel or a big-wig scam artist, the citizens prey on those who appear lonely and vulnerable.
>The echoes of snickering can be heard from behind her.
>She only presses her back closer to the wall.
>She can’t see it, but she can hear them approaching. They whisper malicious comments and obscenities about Trixie.
>She no longer feels safe outside. She concedes to enter the dreaded shop once again.
>As she stands, a sliver of a hooded figure inches its way out of a nearby alleyway.
>Trixie tenses up. A fear wells up in her she didn’t know was there.
>Her mind says run, but her hooves remain firmly planted it.
>The stallion finally steps out of the alley. He sports a charcoal black coat with his mane hidden under a rain jacket.
>The look he gives Trixie… Good intentions cannot be his goal. Insanity, greed, and something else. Something Trixie doesn’t want to think about.

>”Hey, buck you, buddy!”
“Nah, fuck you!” You say as you exit the store.
>Fucking Casadicksucker. He is probably the biggest douche you’ve ever met.
>Tryin’… Compare dick sizes… grumble…
>You exit the store with the newspaper in your arm and look down at Trixie.
>She’s in a panicked state.
“You see a ghost or somethin’?”
>Your voice breaks her out of her trance.
>”Huh…?” She looks back at the alley. The pony she saw a moment ago has disappeared.
>”Nothing. Let’s go.” Her voice sounds a little shaken.
“Hey, is everything alri--Uh…”
>Trixie presses herself up against your leg. She pretends to not notice it at all.
“… Something wrong?”
>”Trixie is cold. Move it.”
>She uses magic to push you forward.
>You weren’t even given a chance to open up the umbrella! The few seconds it took was enough to get you more wet that you’d like.
>The walk back was relatively silent. Every time you slowly down a little, Trixie would push you forward again.
>She pushes you inside and you strip your outer layer of clothes.
>Trixie goes back to the same spot she was in just a half hour ago.
“Seriously, what’s up?”
>”Nothing… Nothing.” She clears her throat. “Why did you even need that paper anyway?”
“Ah,”
>You pull the newspaper out from under your arm and set it down on the table in front of Trixie.
>After turning it a few pages, you find what you’re looking for.
“There,” You point to the weather schedule. “It’s going to be raining all week. Unless you have a way to keep the rain off you,”
>”Trixie does not.”
“Then we’re shit outta luck.”

“So, it makes me think…”
>You lean forward onto the table.
“Maybe it’s time we stop selling you on the side of the road and get you on stage.”
>It takes her a few moments to register exactly what you said.
>”You don’t mean…”
“I do! Trixie, I think you’re ready for the bright lights and stage. This,” You gesture to the floor. “This wagon thing is convenient but it won’t really get you anywhere.”
>”Ah! Y-You’re right!” She gets on top of the table for the second time today. “Trixie has so much more potential than a common street performer! She deserves to be on stage! She will be the hottest commodity on the market when it comes to true entertainment!”
“Damn right! The Princess has already given you her praise, why wouldn’t everyone else love it!?”
>”The Princess! Trixie nearly forgot! Trixie’s name should already be plastered all over Canterlot at this point!”
“Heh,” You lay your hands on her shoulders. “Let’s not get out of hand quite yet. We’ll make it someday, but it’ll take time.”
>”O-Of course… Uhm… Do you…” She drifts off into a intelligible mumble.
“I didn’t quite catch that…”
>“Do you… think Trixie can make it? Honestly.”
“You know,” You lower yourself a little more. “I wouldn’t have hopped on this wagon if I hadn’t. Trixie, this will be easy for you. I know it.”
>”Okay? Okay… I…” She exhales and fidgets her legs around. “That’s… Great… So great. You… mph!”
>She dives into your chest without warning and wraps her hooves around your abdomen.
>Trixie’s reaction is a lot more emotional that you expected. Still, it’s nice to see her so excited about something.

>”You must understand that this is something Trixie has been wanting for most of her life.” She says without letting go.
“Uh-huh.”
>”Otherwise Trixie wouldn’t be doing this.”
“Okay, okay.” You say through a chuckle.
>She finally releases her grip and stands still with a nervously excited look to her with that small smile on her face and ears back the way they are.
>“Trixie is uh, happy… and… really happy to hear this.” A giggle escapes from her.
“I understand, but keep in mind that this may take some time unless we get lucky. Be ready to play the waiting game.”
>”Oh, oh, yes! Trixie is… Ahem! Trixie is capable of waiting until the right time as long as it eventually happens!”
“Good attitude, we’ll start browsing venues, dropping your name in the right places, and other stuff tomorrow.”
>”That’s great!” She says a little too loudly.
>Trixie steps off the table and begins walking in the direction of her room.
>”And for now, Trixie shall retire to her bedchamber!”
>Which she promptly does, leaving you to do absolutely nothing.
>A few seconds later Trixie’s door opens once more.
>Trixie quickly trots out and up to you.
>She then assaults you with another big hug and a series of high-pitched ‘thank you’s.
>You respond with some light laughter and patting her on the back.
>She lets go once again.
>”Trixie is going now. Honestly.”
>She backs into her room for mostly the rest of the day, leaving you to do nothing but sit and think with yourself.
>You never expected Trixie to react like that to anything, so that whole exchange caught you off-guard.
>The thought of Trixie becoming something big is a little frightening, but not nearly as frightening as another thought.
>What if you can’t do this? What if you let Trixie down?